Book Guilt

I need to confess something. Although 2012 was filled with many wonderful moments, there is something that didn't happen, AT ALL.. I did not finish reading a single book! 

*I hang my head in shame*

Even though I didn't get around to reading any books, I still kept on buying them. And for the first time in my life I find myself faced with a terrible guilt every time I walk past my bookshelves. 

I'm hoping to shame myself into diving into the pile, as there are some great sounding adventures to be had within their pages. 

I'm not one to give myself a reading list of what order I should read these in, rather I believe in finding a book for the frame of mind I am in at that time.

Do you guys have this same problem?

These beauties are waiting for me to begin their tale:

#The Map of Time by Felix J. Palma - I have started this one, though am yet to reach the end.

#Good Omens by Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman - My friend nearly fell over when she learned I hadn't read this book by Neil as we both share a love for his words.

#The Well by Elizabeth Jolley

#The Surgeon of Crowthorne by Simon Winchester

#Smoke and Mirrors by Neil Gaiman

#The Leopard by Giuseppe Tomasi - An Italian novel I have long been meaning to acquaint 

#Dracula by Bram Stoker - Need I say more?

#This Thing of Darkness by Harry Thompson

#Wonder Struck by Brian Selznick - The same man brought us 'Hugo' of which both the written/drawn as well as filmed versions were a delight for the eyes.

#The Brightest Star in the Sky by Marian Keyes

There are others, though because they are more recent buys (and gifts, thank you Christmas!) I guess the guilt factor isn't as strong a pull as the above mentioned.

I'd love to know if anyone else has this same problem, or maybe you have read one of these?

Time to pull out the bookmark.

Love

Sarah-Mechelle

Graphic Novels

It has been no secret throughout my life that I lean on the nerdy end of the scale. Upon arriving home the other night I broke it to my parents that I'd just tipped the scales a little more in favor of nerds.

This I have achieved by the new (to me) discovery of the awesomeness that is graphic novels.

I know to many friends of mine in the nerd realm this sounds totally absurd to only having realised this great national treasure... But hear me out.

In a book shop I am in my top element. Many are the hours I have spent going up and down aisle searching for my next favourite author. However, cross the threshold of a comic book store... Get bombarded by superhero's to the max, or some crazy cult series that I'd have no hope of ever truly enjoying. The honest truth, its been pretty daunting in there!

But all that has changed now, as new amazing comic nerd friend at comic book shop has opened my eyes to the amazing world of graphic novels. Where Neil Gaiman and Jane Austen have a place on the shelves. And the Wonderful Wizard of Oz is brought to life with the cutest of illustrations. 

Needless to say, I left there a with bag in hand.

My loot consisting of,

Mouse Guard - Fall 1152 by David Petersen. Gosh what a great story it is thus far. The art work is nothing short of adorable!

Wonder Struck by Brian Selznick. Same author who brought out Hugo. This book couldn't be more beautiful. The drawings within a perfect blend of lead to paper. Greatly looking forward to reading this one, quite certain there will be a review when I'm finished.

Lastly... 

The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by Baum - Shanower - Young. How could I resist?!

Off to do some reading now... 

Love

Sarah-Mechelle

The Fault In Our Stars

It is not very often that I would find it within to be bothered to write a book review. I long ago realised that many of the books I hold dear do not fit into other's hearts quite so well as they have mine.

However!

The moment I heard John Green had finished a new book, I could not help myself... I was soon in the bookstore placing my pre-order.

"The Fault In Our Stars", if you ever listen to me and read one book, let it be this one. 

Before reaching the end of the third page I had frightened myself by laughing loudly in my otherwise quite room. This book is raw, yet brilliantly held together with John's wit. By the close of its covers upon reaching the end, I had laughed many more times, allowed a tear to make its way to my chin and marveled in the adventure.

In the words of John himself...

DFTBA (Don't Forget To Be Awesome)

Sarah-Mechelle